Families gather in silence to mark 12th anniversary of 9/11

 
9/11: The Empty Sky memorial at sunrise
Reuters
11 September 2013

Families of 9/11 victims have gathered in silence to mark the worst terror attack on the United States in history.

The attacks in New York and Washington killed almost 3,000 people, led to a long war in Afghanistan and created an expansion of government surveillance powers that continues to be debated today.

Silence: President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden observe a moment of silence

At a ceremony near Wall Street in New York, people paused at 1246 GMT to mark the time when the first of two hijacked planes struck the World Trade Centre. The twin towers later collapsed.

Volunteer fire fighter William Maher, bows his head when the second bell sounds at the 9/11 Memorial

President Barack Obama also marked a moment of silence at the White House and was attending a ceremony in Washington at the Pentagon, which was struck by another hijacked plane.

Mourners: People gather to pay their respect near One World Trade Center at the 9/11 Memorial

"No matter how many years pass, this time comes around each year - and it's always the same," said Karen Hinson, who lost her 34-year-old brother, Michael Wittenstein, in New York. His body was never found.

Memorial: A US sailor sits in the Pentagon 9/11 Memorial

Continuing a decision made last year, no politicians will make speeches.

Around the world, thousands of volunteers have pledged to do good deeds, honouring an anniversary that was designated a National Day of Service and Remembrance in 2009.

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